Photography: hughepaul (wikimedia)
The world turned its attention to a few of the UK’s urban centres in August as the ‘youth and unemployed’ of Britain took to the streets for what have become infamous riots.
Every newspaper and television channel reported looting, theft and violence alongside pictures of burning city centres and armies of riot police. The UK came to a standstill, London and Birmingham became designated warzones and people didn’t leave their homes in fear of their own safety.
Even sporting events were disrupted, as football matches were postponed and uncertainty was placed over the playing of the test match between England and India. Tourists even pondered over the thought of not travelling to the UK because of the situation.
Some would say it was the release of months, even years of built up tension from the countries youth and their economic situation. Others would see it as unreasonable, mob-like behavior that would never previously had been characterized as part of this countries culture.
All in all, it the British summer was marred by these days in August and truly revealed the potential of some of this country to fight back with a vengeance. The riots really were a sobering and potent wake up call as to how dire the economic climate and social attitudes are in this country.
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